Disclaimer: I don't own Buffy or its characters; Joss does. Yadda yadda ya.
Relationships: Buffy and Angel, Xander and Anya, Willow and Tara
Crossovers: None
Setting: Current 6th season, before Hells Bells.
Rating: PG13 for language and mild violence
Note: You might want to skip the first two chapters, cause Angel comes in at the third chapter.
Chapter Two: Small TalkSpike stood behind a tree near Buffy's house. He dropped a cigarette butt to the ground and stomped on it. That makes fourteen cigarettes, Spike thought. I wonder what Buffy's doing in there. Just at that moment, Buffy stepped out of the house for her evening watch. Without hesitation, she walked towards the tree and pulled Spike out. How did you know I was going to be there, love?
Hmmm. Let's see. Maybe it's the second hand smoke, the cigarette butts or the fact that you always behind that tree. What do you want?
Nothing. Nothing at all. Well, maybe something. I think that you made a mistake in breaking off our relationship. I'm not saying that I desperately need you or anything; just the opposite. I'm doing better off without you than I ever did with you hanging around, love. I was just worried about you. Rather, I didn't want you to die because then I'd have no one to put me on the edge of danger all the time. Xander and Willow don't even know how to punch.
Buffy signed warily. Since you're here, I might as well tell you something. Spike brightened.
and Iwe need to talk.
For once in my life, I agree. You definitely need to talk.
No. I meant what I said. WE need to talk.
I don't have anything to talk about. You dumped me, I hate you, end of story. I only need to know why you dumped me. I believe that we did and still do have something between us.
Well, it's hard to explain. I just felt that you weren't right for me anymore.
Look who's talking. You were the one who ran off with Captain Cardboard the moment he appeared.
Be reasonable—he needed my help. He needed me.
And you think that I didn't? Spike almost yelled. Wait. Security checkI'm getting too emotional. After a moment, Go on. What were you saying?
I was saying, I didn't think you and I were meant to be anymore.
Why? Because Commando Cardboard came? If he hadn't come, would we still be together? If I didn't have this bloody chip in my head, I would've killed that boy a long time ago. He wasn't right for you, and you know it.
That doesn't mean that you're
the right one for me, either. Look, we're getting
nowhere by arguing.
So maybe you should try to me again
once you get your emotions in check and sorted out. Spike
stalked off into the night.
Great, thought Buffy. Instead of smoothing out what was left of their relationship, she had just made it worse. Well, she could always take out her feelings on some demon or vampire.
Buffy paced quietly around Sunnydale, looking for vamps she could exploit. The only warning was a blur of color before it struck. All the breath was knocked out of her, and she could barely stand up to fight the demon. It punched her once again, and this time its fist connected with Buffy's nose, and there was a sickening crack. In a daze, Buffy drew out her knife and plunged it deep into the demon's chest. But it was not enough. The demon picked Buffy up and threw her to the ground. Shaken and bruised, all Buffy could do was struggle without avail under the demon's hold.
Here's one for all of my family that you killed, growled the demon and raised Buffy's knife, ready to thrust it into Buffy's heart.
Not if I can help it, came an familiar accented voice. With a sharp twist of his wrist, Spike stabbed the demon. Buffy sat up, on the verge of tears.
I failed. I—I failed. It could've killed me, and that would've been it. She sobbed quietly, unable to resist the flood of tears. I failed. Buffy stared straight ahead, not blinking. I failed.
Okay, Buffy. I get the point now. You failed. Now get up.
With Spike's words, a fresh set of tears rolled down her cheeks.
You know, Spike, if I had had the heart to pummel you right now, then I would. But for now, just leave. Leave me alone.
You're welcome for saving your life, you know.
Buffy stood up and ran off.
Bloody mortals. So emotional about the smallest things, thought Spike. But even so, he headed towards Buffy's house for a front-yard camp-over until dawn.
Willow walked around and around in circles. Time had do meaning in this place, and obviously neither did the word It had been about twenty-four hours since she first arrived here, Willow estimated, yet she had not yet found a way out. Was this it? Was this the release of her soul? Because it seemed awfully plain. She had expected at least a little adventure.
Surprisingly, she wasn't hungry and felt no tiredness.
Hello! Is anyone here? I mean, I feel really stupid being cooped up here! Hello? Talk to me, god dammit! But no other voice could be heard.
Then a light bulb went off in her head. My magic! Of course! Why hadn't I thought of it earlier? Willow summoned her concentration and started a placement spell. It would tell her where she was and how, if there was a way, to get back to Sunnydale. There was some kind of stronger magic around her, though. It was as if a coat had been dropped over her, smothering any attempt to get out by magic. Yet, she did not feel stifled. Maybe this spell wasn't such a good idea after all, she thought.
Before she could twist away, a spear of some sort pierced her chest. Willow dropped to the ground, writhing in pain and struggling to get the spear out. What is this? Whatever it is, it's definitely NOT part of the spell. Is it? Willow barely managed to whisper out the question. For once in her life, Willow didn't have her magic to back her up. All of a sudden, she felt vulnerablenaked. Like she was an innocent, bared to the dangers and cruelties of the world. But right now, the pain lancing through her chest had to take precedence after the absence of her magic.
Tara sat at the table, trying to concentrate on the words that were coming out of Dawn's mouth. So, I like said, Look who's talking, butt-head,' and he turned around and—
Tara, are you listening? Yoo-hoo. Earth to Tara, Earth to Tara.
Tara snapped out of her thinking. Y-yes. I-I-I mean, I w-was. L-listen-ning. Y-you were t-talking about J-John?
No! His name is butt-head. Got it?
Y-yes. Got it. Tara kept on staring past Dawn's head.
Dawn gave an exasperated sigh and stood up. Well, I better get going now.
On her way out the door, she bumped into Spike.
Ooooh, Spikie! she squealed.
Hello to you too, little bit.
Spikie, I've got sooo much to tell you. See, today, there's this really snotty kid whose name is butt-head
Look, Dawn. Tell me later, okay? I need to talk to Giles.
Dawn's face fell, but she walked out the door and yelled over her shoulder, You'll be sorry if you don't hear my story!
Giles walked around the Magic Box, assisting various customers find what they want and purchase it. Anya happily stood behind the cash register, counting out the money and ringing up the sales. Hope you enjoyed your visit to the Magic Box, and come back soon! As an afterthought, she added, Have a nice day, too!
As the last person exited the magic shop, Anya smiled happily and reported, We earned lots and lots of money today! Lots of money! And with money, I can buy pretty sundresses! Just for the fun of it, Anya recounted the money.
Well, today was a busy day, Giles said to no one in particular.
I hope you've still got time to talk, mate, came a reply.
Giles stiffened and turned around. Spike, how did you get in here?
Spike looked at Giles with a smirk on his face. Through the front door. That's what it's for, isn't it?
Well, yes, Giles admitted. But the bell was supposed to ring
Oh, that. Somebody must've taken the bell, because there bloody ain't no bell on the door now.
Oh. Oh, my. Well, I'll just have to get another bell.
To Be Continued